Next Man Up: An MCEL Podcast

MCEL: How the Journey Began, Pt. 2


Listen Later

Summary

In this continuation of Next Man Up, host Kareem Thomas reconnects with MCEL co-founders Harrison Peters and Steve Gering for Part 2 of their powerful discussion on mentorship and leadership for male leaders of color. Building upon the insights from the first episode, they dive deeper into the importance of fostering a strong community, the role of honest feedback, and the ways in which the National Leadership Institute is shaping the future of educational leadership. This episode highlights the need for resilience, networking, and investing in leadership development to break systemic barriers and create lasting impact.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mentorship offers vital guidance through personal relationships and shared experiences.
  • Understanding systemic barriers and the "rules of engagement" is crucial for success.
  • Being open to change and feedback enhances leadership effectiveness.
  • A strong support network accelerates career and personal growth.
  • Leadership development is an investment with lasting returns.
  • Every male leader of color plays a role in building a powerful legacy.
  • Quote Worthy:

    • "You have to look in the mirror and get better."

    • "We want male leaders of color at the table."

    • About Harrison Peters

      Harrison Peters is the CEO and Co-founder of Men of Color in Educational Leadership (MCEL) and a former State Turnaround Superintendent of Providence Public Schools. His passion for education stems from teachers who shaped his life, instilling in him the belief that words and actions deeply impact children. Over two decades, Harrison has held key leadership roles in districts across the country, including Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, Hillsborough County (Tampa), and Providence, driving transformative outcomes such as improved graduation rates, reduced achievement gaps, and record-breaking student success. A proud Navy veteran, he also played a pivotal role in securing the largest bond in Texas history while serving in Houston. Harrison holds degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership and remains committed to unlocking the limitless potential within every child.

      About Steve Gering

      Steve Gering is a career educator with over 40 years of experience in teaching, administration, and leadership development in urban and suburban districts. He led the First Things First reform effort in Kansas City, which significantly improved student achievement and earned national recognition. Recruited by Arne Duncan in 2008, Steve spearheaded Chicago Public Schools' High School Transformational efforts, including the Freshman on Track strategy that improved graduation rates and ACT scores. As chief leadership development officer, he launched the Chicago Leadership Collaborative to prepare 100 new principals annually and developed the Chicago Executive Leadership Academy to train regional leaders. Recognized as an expert in leadership capacity building, Steve's work has consistently driven improvements in student outcomes.

      Learn More

      To learn more about the Next Man Up podcast or to be a guest, visit mcelleaders.org/podcast or follow us on social media at @mcelleaders.

      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store

      Next Man Up: An MCEL PodcastBy Men of Color in Educational Leadership